Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma defended Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, despite Kennedy’s history as a vaccine skeptic. Mullin praised Kennedy’s intelligence regarding vaccines and raised questions about the high levels of autism in the United States, suggesting a possible link to vaccines.
Mullin emphasized the importance of questioning vaccines and suggested that the cause of rising autism rates should be further investigated. However, he acknowledged that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other studies have found no evidence linking vaccines to autism.
Kennedy has a history of promoting conspiracy theories about various health issues, including vaccines, fluoride, raw milk, heavy metals in food, and pesticides. Despite this, Mullin expressed support for Trump pursuing confirmation of his picks through the recess appointment process if necessary, although he acknowledged that it is a difficult and controversial process.
Overall, Mullin defended Kennedy’s position on vaccines, emphasizing the need for further research and questioning, while recognizing the scientific consensus that vaccines do not cause autism. He also indicated support for Trump utilizing recess appointments to confirm his nominees if traditional Senate confirmation proves challenging.
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